RobM

Go back and listen to the interview again. The question was 'Is there any news'.

No he didn't. The question asked was 'Is there any news' regarding the job at Southampton. His answer was 'No'. He then proceeded to talk about his focus being entirely on AFCB and that being a hard enough job without this going on. He never denied approach, he never denied anything. He simply answered the question 'Is there any news' with the word 'No' and tried to change the topic a little.

One other thing, before I run out of posts... those saying Adkins would be a better choice as he is well proven at this level, he has only been managing for just under 4 years. That's not a massive amount of time in football manager terms and certainly not a night and day different to EH. More yes, but he is hardly an experienced head.

His team and his players are doing better in the league than our team and our players. They have no advantage when it comes to players, none when it comes to infrastructure and none when it comes to finances to improve things. That leaves the manager, so he must be doing something right. Even if we win our game in hand 3-0, we will be level with them. So I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss him. It's not the big name manager I'd prefer, but he is the sort of manager I can see staying with us and building the solid, consistent team we all dream of. That's fine by me.

So all of a sudden NC is friendly enough with the local red top to give them this info? hmmmm.

What's the difference between MLT, the Southampton fan and football pundit, expressing his opinion in the press... and those Saints fans who got their mug in the paper tonight, expressing their opinion in the press? Other than one of the two are paid to express their opinion in the press, of course?

Funny how all these rumours and ITK comments come out now, but were silent just yesterday.

Huge thanks and all the best. I think we were heading in the right direction, even if it wasn't as quick as I'd have liked in my red and white brain. But thanks for everything and good luck with whatever you do next

Let's look at this a little differently... What have we learned over the last few years of supporting SFC? 1) Unrest and unhappiness at the board level and / or between the board and management team results in failure. Look at Lowe / Redcrap. 2) Stability is key to everything. 3) The chairmen bowing down to fan demand results in the wrong decision. I.e. RL not reappointing Hoddle and going for the fans option. That didn't work so well. 4) Sacking your manager at a time that gives them no chance of improving the squad this season doesn't work. So if the relationship between NC and AP isn't healthy, our club and fortunes are not healthy. Whether or not I agree with the decision, it's a decision that has to be made if there is any sign of instability within the club. I think AP was the right man for us, I think he was getting good performances out of the team and I think he had identified the areas we were lacking in (set pieces and scoring goals, mainly). I also think there is a lot to be said for keeping and backing your manager. But if NC cannot do this and he is not happy, AP had to go. NC must now show the same consistent improvement and growth he speaks of by improving our managerial strength and quality. If he doesn't, we have made a huge mistake. If AP was to go, it should have been at the end of last season. But as that didn't happen, now isn't a terrible time. It gives us a lot of time to see what the new manager can do with our current squad, gives him time to spot weaknesses and improve them and it gives us between now and the Jan transfer window to assess what changes to the squad are required.

Lads, I hate to break it to you, but we're not going to sign Antonio. Thought it was worth mentioning, since that's obviously not known to the 4-pages of posters here.

AP really rates Puncheon and said he was the best on the field against Bolton, so I highly doubt he will lose his place. I think he will replace Hammond, sometimes. Schneiderlin plays something of a holding role, so having Guly next or in front of him would be a good combination from an attacking perspective and provide a good balance in midfield. But then Hammond is there when we need to control and close out games. In reality, Guly could replace any of our attacking midfielders and wingers, so that sort of competition for places is more than welcome and does give us options to change things around during the game. But given the fact none of us have seen him play, Guly could just as easily replace somebody on the bench or in the stands.

It's been the same for many, many years. We have a new stadium, training grounds, management team, coaches, players, board, owners, staff... the only thing that has remained the same is the city and the fans. While fans certainly play a part, they can't be blamed. So I'd love to hear why people think we start poorly.

Ironic that Jaidi was all over the OS talking up his excitement for this game, but doesn't make the starting 11. At least he will have a good view from the bench.

When did Wales get the Internet?

AP's comments on the OS suggest you're in luck then, as he will be playing his strongest side in a bid to create a winning team.

That'll do nicely

Bart in goal, a start for Guly and a start for AOC. Otherwise, our strongest side. We need games together and we need to win everything we play in, so going for anything other than a win is the wrong thing to do, IMO. Got my tickets so as long as it's a good game I'll be happy. Looking forward to (hopefully) seeing Guly start too.

I'm sad to say I agree We're sooo close though to being a great football team. We're just lacking that cutting edge and togetherness we so desperately need. This is why I've been saying I wish we had all our signings in place at the start of pre-season, so they have time to form a team out of a group of players.

I know where you're coming from... I hope that we have actually been busy behind the scenes, but have ensured all parties remain silent until everyone has had the chance to pay their respect. I'm not expecting much mind you, but one or two in key positions would be good. We can't wait forever though and the Plymouth game did highlight a few weaker areas, so we need to get on and do something.

Nice to see some compassion in football. Huge respect to MK Dons for this.

That's a really nice, subtle idea. I agree it should be something simple, but my vote would personally go to a stand being re-named. The trouble is, once you start that discussion you open it for all four stands and risk upsetting people whose suggestions aren't used.

Everything I've read about the Leibherr family suggests they are very family orientated, very focused and very down to earth. I hope somebody from the family take the club over in the same vein Marcus did and continue to support us. Let's give them time to get over this loss before we start making demands and asking questions. Most importantly though, whatever they decide, let's respect their decision and support them as best we can.

RIP and Thank You for everything you have done, for giving us hope and giving our football club a future. We owe you everything.

The Orient game is the right time and place for a serious tribute and another 'Alan Ball' moment, where all fans who are lucky enough to get tickets will be able to pay their respects, sing his name and celebrate all he has done for us. It's the home of our club, his club and it's the right place to pay our respect. The MK Dons game shouldn't be ignored though and his name should be sung.

I almost agree... I think we have depth and good cover, we just lack depth in sheer, top quality in the positions that count. We have two good forwards and one top quality forward. We have plenty of good midfielders, very good in fact, but only a couple of top quality ones. We really seem lost without them. We need another top quality midfielder. Somebody who should be too good for us, but wants the challenge and who comes to us as we put our hands deep into our pockets!